This night literally brought me back to my teenage years as Blink 182 with special guests Lil’ Wayne and Neck Deep rocked the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey on July 9th. The performance was spectacular as Blink 182 played the album “Enema of the State” in its entirety.
Blink 182 didn’t waste any time as they kicked it into high gear by beginning the night playing “Enema of the State” in its entirety. The crowd sang at the top of their lungs to songs such as “Dumpweed” and the MTV “Total Request Live” classics of “What’s My Age Again”, “All The Small Things”, and “Adam’s Song”, which Mark Hoppus brought a poignant message on making sure we take care of our mental health before breaking out into “Adam’s Song”. During “Aliens Exist”, there were balloons with alien heads all over as that got the crowd absolutely engaged. With all of this alone, it’s plain to see why Blink 182 is still one of the hottest bands going after all of these years.
Travis Barker took a break and Mark and Matt made it feel like a campfire setting by busting out their acoustic guitars and breaking into acoustic versions of “Down” and “Wasting Time”. After that, Travis Barker went into this insane drum solo where he was in a cage and drumming upside down. I have not seen that since Tommy Lee of Motley Crue pulled off that stunt. It is plain to see why Travis Barker is heralded in many drumming circles as a legendary drummer.
Cell phones and lighters went up in the air, which glistened as they busted out their beautiful ballad “I Miss You”. I remember going to other concerts and when that song was played in the PA in between bands, people would join in unison and sing, amplify those feelings times 100% when Blink 182 is in the same venue singing. Fans were treated to a new single called “Blame It On My Youth”, which the crowd responded in approval when Mark Hoppus announced there will be a new Blink 182 album. Blink 182 paid homage to The Ramones by breaking into “Blitzkrieg Bop” before getting into the song “First Date” and fans left home happy when they played their breakout hit “Dammit(Growing Up” to close out the night.
Tonight showed why Blink 182 are the kings of summer concerts. You can’t help but sing along to their songs and it is perfect for a summer evening. Be sure to check out Blink 182 with special guests Lil’ Wayne and Neck Deep on the remaining dates:
Sat. 7/13- Darlings Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor, Maine
Tue. 7/16- Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Wed. 7/17- Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, New York
Sat. 7/20- Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sun. 7/21- Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland
Tue. 7/23- PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, North Carolina
Thu. 7/25- Coral Sky Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, Florida
Fri. 7/26- MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa, Florida
Sat. 7/27- Cellaris Amphitheater in Lakewood, Georgia
Mon. 7/29- Daily’s Place Amphitheater in Jacksonville, Florida
Wed. 7/31- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas
Thu. 8/1- Austin360 Amphitheater in DelValle, Texas
Fri. 8/2- Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, Texas
Sun. 8/4- Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
Mon. 8/5- Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix, Arizona
Wed. 8/7- North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista, California
Thu. 8/8- The Forum in Inglewood, California
Tue. 8/27- FivePoint Amphitheater in Irvine, California
Fri. 8/30- Sunlight Supply Amphitheater in Ridgefield, Washington
Sat. 8/31- White River Amphitheater in Auburn, Washington
Mon. 9/2- Usana Amphitheater in Salt Lake City, Utah
Wed. 9/4- Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado
Fri. 9/6- Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas
Sun. 9/8- Providence Medical Center Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kansas
Tue. 9/10- DTE Music Energy Theater in Clarkston, Michigan
Thu. 9/12- XCEL Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota
Fri. 9/13- Riot Fest in Douglas Park, Illinois
Sat. 9/14- Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri
Mon. 9/16- Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio
Wed. 9/18- BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey
Fri. 9/20- Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
Head to Vivid Seats for tickets and further information
Check out the complete setlist here.
Photo Credit: Kim Casper at Garden State Band Connection
